Page 7 of His Reckless Freshman

“This is so fun.” Caroline beams at me, jiggling in her seat like she always does between quiz rounds.

My mom used to tease her about having ants in her pants when we were kids. It took me a few years to get what she meant, but I definitely see it now. When Caroline’s buzzing about something, her body shows it too.

A bit like mine. I’ve always struggled to sit completely still for any length of time.

Even though we’re not related by blood, Caroline and I share so many similarities. I’ve always looked up to her like an older sister. She was adopted by my mom’s brother and his wife before I was even born, and we’re as close as cousins can get.

I smile at her, then catch the way Casey’s trying not to laugh at her. It’s sweet how much he adores his girl. Even just the way his arm is slung over the back of her chair, his fingers lightly brushing her shoulder.

I wonder what that must feel like.

A surge of desperate desire runs through me. What I wouldn’t give for a boyfriend! Heck, even a date would be nice. I just want some romance in my life. To know what it’s like to be looked at like I’m special, to be kissed… touched… like I matter.

I’m so curious about the whole intimacy thing.

I know I shouldn’t want that until I’m married, but I do.

Caroline’s tasted that forbidden fruit earlier than we were taught to believe is right… and it’s turned out great for her.

“Okay, let’s start Round Three—Movies and TV.” The guy at the front of the room gets our attention, and everyone at our table preps for the first question.

Caroline and Lani’s quiz night happens on Tuesdays in this bookstore café. They don’t go every week, but they try to get here at least twice a month, and Caroline has started inviting me. I don’t know why, as it’s not like I’m much help. The only answers I do know, everyone else seems to know as well.

Lani and Asher are super competitive too, so they’re always trying to be the first to say the answers.

I glance across the table at the stunning beauty. She’s Caroline’s roommate, and, just quietly, I’ve been afraid of her ever since we met. I don’t know if it’s because she’s so pretty or if it’s because she can be a little standoffish or sharp-tongued. Whatever it is, she’s intimidating without even meaning to be, and her sophisticated boyfriend is the same. They honestly look like a pair of supermodels, sitting across the table from me all slick and chic and⁠—

“Dawson’s Creek.” Asher leans in.

“Are you sure?” Caroline glances at him before writing the answer down.

“Definitely. Ethan used to watch it with his mom. I’m telling you, I’ve heard him talking about how Pacey and Joey were supposed to be together. Some shit like that, anyway.” Asher tuts when Caroline gives him a doubtful frown. “Just trust me and write it.”

Lani smirks at him. “If you’re wrong, I’m going to have a field day.”

“But I’m not wrong, Boo.” He flashes her a grin. “And I’m looking forward to telling you I told you so.”

She rolls her eyes but then giggles when Asher leans forward and kisses her neck. I can’t help brushing my fingers over the place his lips would have touched on my neck if he was my boyfriend—I mean, I don’t want him to be my boyfriend. I’m not lusting after Lani’s man. I just… you know, if I had a boyfriend and he kissed me all sweet like that and⁠—

“Question two: What was the first color film to win Best Picture at the Oscars?”

I wince, leaning in because I think I know, but now I’m all nervous that I don’t.

Caroline looks at Casey, who just shrugs, so I tentatively say, “Wizard of Oz?”

“Oh yeah, that’s a good thought.” She starts scribbling down my idea.

“I feel like that’s right.” Lani points at the paper, and Asher nods as well.

A little burst of… I don’t know… usefulness flares through me? Until the end of the round and the guy starts reading out the answers.

“Gone with the Wind.”

Aw crap. My shoulders slump, and it’s impossible not to notice Lani’s frown. We got a few wrong in that round, but thankfully it wasn’t our bonus one.

“Six.” Caroline circles the number, then gets ready for Round Four, and I start to wonder if I should bail.

I’ve put forward all of two answers so far tonight, and both of them have been wrong. What am I even doing here?